Four arrested in drug operations across three islands

Several arrests have been made in connection with drug operations carried out on three different islands.

Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that the drug operations were conducted across Gan island of Laamu atoll, Hulhumeedhoo district of southernmost Addu City and Dhiyamigili island of Thaa atoll.

The first operation in Gan island was conducted following an intel report regarding an attempt to smuggle drugs into Dhanbidhoo island, on July 14.

A 25-year-old and 36-year-old were stopped near the island’s harbor region during the operation and police officers found them in possession of a rubber packet, filled with suspected narcotics.

Upon being presented to the Gan Magistrate Court for their remand hearing, the 25-year-old was given 15 days in remand and the 36-year-old was given a five-day remand period, at a facility allocated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Officers also confiscated 10 rubber packets filled with suspected narcotics on the streets, during another operation carried out in Gan on July 12.

Acting on a tip-off that drugs were being trafficked on the island, officers conducted a raid in Hulhumeedhoo island on July 13.

During the court-ordered raid on a house in Hulhumeedhoo, a 56-year-old and a 65-year-old were taken into police custody and officers confiscated three large rubber packets and eight pieces of cellophane stuffed with suspected narcotics.

Upon being presented to the Hulhumeedhoo Magistrate Court for their remand hearing, they were both remanded for a period of 15 days, at a facility allocated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

On July 13, another drug operation was conducted following an intel report.

A can and two small packets filled with suspected narcotics were confiscated from a package that was transported to the island on a speedboat. However, no arrests were made in connection with the drug operation.

Further investigations into all cases are currently underway.